THE final chapter of a Ramsbottom school's campaign stretching back more than 20 years was concluded yesterday by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown.

He officially opened the long-awaited hall at Woodhey High School watched by local dignitaries and past and present associates of the school.

He paid tribute to the people who had campaigned for the hall to be built and singled out Mr Frank Bennett, the school's first - and recently retired - headteacher after whom the hall has been named.

He said: "It is a great pleasure to be here at the opening of the new hall and the new investment made in the community. This great community effort is to be applauded.

Mr Brown added: "Congratulations to Frank Bennett for years of dedicated service."

He then went on to visit Cams Lane County Primary School in Radcliffe where he looked at plans for an extension to the school.